CHAPTER 36 – The Wolf in Waiting

POV: Lucien Blackveil

The early morning mist clung to the trees like a ghostly veil as the Silver Fang convoy entered Silverstone Pack's territory. Lucien sat in the lead SUV, his broad frame still and composed, but beneath the surface, his wolf Roman paced with silent tension.

He watched ahead as another car—Asher's car—pulled into the gravel path. Through the back window, Lucien glimpsed the silhouette of Aira seated in the backseat. His heart gave a painful twist.

She was there.So close.Yet still not his.

Roman growled softly in his mind. "She should be with us."

Lucien didn't respond. He simply stared until the car turned and disappeared from view, swallowed by the path toward the Beta quarters.

He clenched his jaw. He had no right to demand her presence—not yet. She didn't even know she belonged to him.

This trip wasn't just politics, alliances, or safety.

It was for her.

The car ride had been filled with low chatter—his warriors discussing security drills, defensive strategies, and formation shifts. Silver Fang warriors were some of the best in the region, hand-trained by Lucien himself. Efficient, silent, deadly.

At some point, his Beta David handed him a slim black file. Her name was printed on the label in clean silver font:

Aira Moonstone

Lucien held it for a long moment, but he didn't open it. Not yet. Not here. Knowing everything about her could wait until she was safe, calm… and awake enough to see him.

When they finally reached the pack gates, Lucien stepped out first.

The breeze held a hint of her scent.

He inhaled it slowly. Lavender. Rain. And something darker beneath. It haunted him like a memory he hadn't made yet.

Waiting at the packhouse entrance were former Alpha Elijha and his Luna, Lisa. They looked regal, powerful, and cautious.

"Welcome to Silverstone Pack, Alpha Lucien," Elijha greeted, stepping forward with a practiced smile.

Lucien gave a respectful nod, clasping forearms in a brief greeting. "Thank you for having us."

Elijha's eyes flicked to the SUVs behind Lucien. "Your warriors are welcome here. We appreciate your support."

The pleasantries were short and efficient—just the way Lucien preferred. Asher's Gamma, Alex, approached and offered to escort them to their quarters.

Inside, the guest wing of the packhouse was grand by most standards. Polished oak floors, silver fixtures, high ceilings. Luxurious.

But not like home.

Lucien walked into his assigned suite, surveying it with a glance. He dropped his duffel on the bed, the folder still in his hand. He stared at her name again… then, with uncharacteristic hesitation, slipped it back into the bag unopened.

"Later."

A knock came at the door.

David, his Beta, stepped inside. "Alpha. The warriors are settled in. When do we begin training sessions?"

Lucien didn't hesitate. "Tomorrow morning. 5 a.m. Start with joint defense drills. Rotate with the Silverstone warriors for now. I want to evaluate their response patterns before we integrate our methods."

David nodded. "And you?"

Lucien looked toward the window, where the sun dipped lower behind the trees.

"I'll walk the borders before nightfall. I want to feel this place."

"And her?" David asked softly.

Lucien's jaw flexed.

"She's here. That's enough for now."

But deep down, he knew that wouldn't be true for long.

Because his soul already ached for her.

His mate.

The little wolf who didn't yet know she belonged to him.